Sailing in Turkey: A 7-day sailing itinerary in Fethiye

Sail in Turkey!

Turkey, or Türkiye, the home of the traditional gulet, is a Mediterranean heaven of modern infrastructure, perfect sailing conditions and stunning destinations. Keep reading below for a suggested week-long sailing itinerary, starting from Fethiye, as well as some insights on traditional local cuisine. Yacht charters in Fethiye are amongst the most popular in Turkey thanks to it’s well sheltered bay, picturesque scenery and charming nearby villages. This itinerary includes stopovers at Gemiler Island, Coldwater Bay, and Butterfly Valley. Discover Kapi Creek, Gocek town and Sarsala Bay.

The best time for yacht charters in Turkey is in spring and autumn, particularly in May, June and September, when the temperatures are warm and pleasant, there are fewer crowds compared to peak summer months and restaurants / attractions are open!

Meant to be discovered by sea, Turkey has something for everyone, with its mix of Eastern and Western cultures, 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, quiet and unspoilt beaches, and reputation for excellent hospitality. There are plenty of boat rental options, you can choose to charter a catamaran or monohull, or charter a gulet in Turkey. You can also choose between bareboat, skippered or crewed options.

How to get to Fethiye

The closest airport is Dalaman Airport, which is only 30 km from the city center. There are direct flights from many large European and non-European cities throughout the year.

The Havaş airport shuttle bus is direct to Fethiye city center, it takes around 1 hour and costs ₺30 (approximately €1.80).

You can also get a taxi from the airport, which takers around 45 minutes and costs between ₺1,200 and ₺1,500 (approximately €35 to €45)

You can also contact your GlobeSailor charter advisor to organise a private transfer between the airport and the marina.

Lesser known local cuisine

We have all heard of doner kebabs and baklavas, and while these are delicious, here are some traditional Turkish foods that you may not have heard of before, perfect for fully immersing yourself in the local culture while on your yacht charter.

Etli Nohut is chickpeas and lamb stewed in a tomato sauce, this is a hearty, warming village-style comfort food.

Keşkek is a traditional, ceremonial dish made of wheat and slow-cooked meat. It is traditionally served at weddings or celebrations. Don’t hesitate to try this dish if you get the opportunity while on your sailing holiday.

Börülce Salatası, or cowpea salad (cowpeas are a type of black-eyed peas), tossed and cooked in olive oil, lemons and garlic. This is very popular in local Fethiye homes, particularly during the summer.

Bazlama, is a thick, soft flatbread sometimes cooked over an open fire and enjoyed with both sweet and savoury options such as butter & honey, or cheese and olives.

Katmer is a flaky, layered pastry with many different local variations, sometimes filled with herbs, cheese, or sugar.

Midye Dolma are mussels stuffed with spiced rice, pine nuts, and currants. You can often see these being sold by street vendors.

Karides Güveç are prawns with tomatoes, peppers, garlic and cheese, baked in a clay pot.

İncir Tatlısı are dried figs, usually stuffed with walnuts and almonds, covered in syrup.

Day 1: Fethiye – Gemiler Island – Coldwater Bay (approx. 15 nm)

Sail from Fethiye along the beautiful Lycian coast and admire the rugged mountains and turquoise sea. Your first stop is Gemiler Island, ideal for a relaxing lunch surrounded by nature. Drop anchor and wander through the islands ruins, including the remnants of Byzantine homes, ancient graveyards, and centuries-old churches. Among the most notable of sites is the Tomb of St. Nicholas, where he was believed to have been buried in 343 AD. After exploring for a couple of hours, get out your snorkels and fins and explore the partially submerged ruins along the shoreline. Continue your sailing towards Coldwater bay, also known as Bestas Limani. This hidden bay is a perfect place to cool off, thanks to the natural springs that flow into the sea. Relax while you take in the views of the bay and the surrounding Taurus Mountains.

Day 2: Coldwater Bay – Butterfly Valley – Oludeniz (approx. 9 nm)

Hoist the sails and head toward Butterfly Valley, a secluded paradise at the base of Mount Babadağ. Named for the nearly 150 species of butterflies that inhabit the area. This bay is a haven of biodiversity that is only accessible by boat, Butterfly Valley is perfect for swimming, or venturing on shore to hike trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and lush greenery.

Next, continue your sailing journey to Ölüdeniz, one of Turkey’s most iconic beaches. Wander through the vibrant town, where local shops, cafes, and restaurants create a lively atmosphere. The nearby Mount Babadağ is renowned as one of the world’s top paragliding spots. Soar above the turquoise coastline and the famous Blue Lagoon, taking in panoramic views as you glide down the same slopes featured in the James Bond film Skyfall.

Day 3: Oludeniz to Kapi Creek (approx. 15 nm)

Continue your sailing holiday to Kapi Creek, a calm and sheltered cove surrounded by pine and olive trees. You can moor on both sides of the bay, making it an ideal stop for a quiet evening. Leave your boat to explore the remnants of two historic stone buildings tucked into the landscape. For those seeking a bit of adventure, a short hike up the hillside rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Turkish coastline.

The calm, clear waters of Kapi Creek are among the warmest in the Mediterranean, making it a perfect spot for a late afternoon swim. As the sun begins to set, return to your yacht and unwind while watching the sunset – the perfect way to end day three of your yacht charter.

Day 4: Kapi Creek – Ruin Bay (approx. 3 nm)

Sail to Ruin Bay and moor where Cleopatra visited! Admire the bay’s beauty, with its turquoise waters, and rich pine trees. Go for a snorkel to discover the monastery ruins, half submerged in the water. For the more adventurous sailors, you can hike to ancient Lydae and explore statue remains, ancient buildings and agora fountains.

Day 5: Ruin Bay – Gocek (approx. 8 nm)

Continue your yacht charter to Göcek, a charming coastal town renowned for its six world-class marinas, breathtaking scenery, and idyllic bays. Göcek is also celebrated for its lemon, orange and tangerine groves.

This town offers everything a sailor might need, with a wide range of restaurants, pubs, boutiques, and supermarkets – ideal for restocking provisions or enjoying a leisurely afternoon ashore. Along the scenic waterfront, you’ll find stylish cafés and traditional tavernas. In the evenings, Göcek comes alive with lively bars and late-night venues, offering a taste of local nightlife for those looking to keep the evening going.

Day 6: Gocek – Sarsala Bay (approx. 7 nm)

Set sail for Sarsala Bay, on the northside of Boz Burun, recognisable by the distinctive white houses on its south side. You can moor on the large jetty or anchor in one of the small coves. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters or relaxing on the long pebble beach. Spend the evening in a traditional taverna, the perfect place to taste traditional Turkish cuisine.

Day 7: Sarsala Bay – Fethiye (approx. 14 nm)

It’s time to make your return sail to Fethiye, the largest town on the Turquoise coast. Stop for lunch in a quiet cove before returning to Fethiye marina in the late afternoon. For dinner, do not miss a chance to enjoy tasting fresh seafood in a local taverna.

Disembark your boat in the morning and check out with the base manager. Take advantage of your last day in Fethiye and hike the mountains behind the town. Visit the ancient rock tombs that surround the city. Wander through the streets of the town and relax in a beach bar to end your yacht charter in Fethiye.